Dating former patients

Doctors allowed to date former patients - Telegraph

Now, that former patient is doing very well and doesn't have a long standing illness and are well into their recovery. Professional Judgment This is a tough line to walk when it comes to dating a former patient.

As far as I can tell, I am doing nothing wrong. How they should deal with that, and how to cope with a patient who expresses interest in them, must be part of their training, she said. In many cases that have come to light, the patient has been particularly vulnerable.

It was a short admission and I would have only been in the circle of care. One of the best things you can do is to put some space between your love life and professional life.

While doctors have clear rules laid down by the General Medical Council, other healthcare professions have more vague standards. These might be patients who are looking for companionship and could mistake your sincerity for romantic interest.

He comes from a wonderful family. Cases must be judged on their merits, but obtaining the consent of a former patient to sex would not excuse a healthcare worker from a charge of abuse and exploitation.

It isn't something I was seeking out and never in a million years did it occur to me that something like that would happen. While you may think that sympathetic hug is okay, some might see this as unwanted or uncomfortable, so make sure you can clearly establish boundaries with current patients.

With long hours spent at work, it can be tough to meet people. The American Medical Association has also made a ruling on the ethics of dating a former patient as well. They would be encouraged not only to attempt to avoid any relationship themselves, but also to speak out if they were aware of a colleague becoming involved. Where a doctor or nurse is attracted to a patient, they may have to recognise that it is in both their best interests to hand over the case to a colleague. If you do decide to date a former patient, setting boundaries will ensure that your professional and romantic lives do not negatively affect each other.

Setting Boundaries One of the best pieces of advice we can give a health professional when dating a former patient is to set boundaries. They should know who to go to for advice, and not be condemned for admitting their feelings as long as they do not act on them. Some say that there should be no guidelines or regulations that should prohibit your happiness.